IV.
Jesus is Denied by Peter

Peter Denouncing Christ, 1660
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, Dutch (1606-1669)
Oil on canvas
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Rembrandt entered the University of Leiden at the age of 14, but deserted the school and studied art with local masters.  At the age of 22 he was already such an accomplished artist that he became a much sought-after instructor.  He married the cousin of a successful art dealer, enhancing his own career, but his family life was marked by misfortune – his wife gave birth to four children, but only the last one survived; her own life ended in 1642 at the age of 30.  He later married his housekeeper who became the model for many of his paintings.  He invested his fortunes in ancient sculpture, Renaissance paintings, Far Eastern art, weapons, armor, and antiques.

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CHRIST CHURCH  Exeter, New Hampshire
The Way of the Cross 2008